Two Day North Shore Neighbourhoods Trail

Vancouver’s North Shore isn’t all about the mountains. Just a short journey from Vancouver is a number of unique, small-town neighbourhoods filled to the brim with independent businesses to keep you entertained and your bellies full.

These perfectly Instagrammable spots make for a perfect two-day trip to shop, eat, and immerse yourself in the North Shore community.

Day 1

9am Start your morning surrounded by the smell of fresh baking while you enjoy your breakfast of straight-out-the-oven pastries and coffee at BjornBar in Edgemont Village. The gourmet dessert store specializes in bars, so make sure you pick up a couple to snack on later.

10am Pretty Edgemont Village may only be a few blocks long but almost 100 family-owned shops line its streets! If you’re looking for Canadian-made souvenirs to take home with you, Giftworks is a must.

12pm Just a 10 minute drive away is Ambleside Beach. Ambleside is a wonderful waterfront community that offers art galleries, independent shops, and public spaces. You’ll find parks for the kids or start straight on the1.7k centennial seawalk, an easy stroll with views of the Burrard Inlet, Coast Mountains, and Vancouver skyline.

3pm Make your way tothe seaside playground of Horseshoe Bay. There’s plenty to do in this small neighbourhood – rent a boat at Sewell’s Marina for a couple of hours, head on a BC ferry to Bowen Island, let the kids play in the playground, walk the pier, or sit on the deck chairs and watch the boats come in and out of the harbour.

Day 2

8am Good morning! Start your day by fueling up at the Lobby Restaurant while discussing your plan of action to tackle the fun-packed neighbourhood of Lower Lonsdale.

10am Lower Lonsdale is North Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood so just a few steps outside of your hotel you will find the city’s historic shipyards. Explore the dock and pier, look at the public art and learn about the stories of the people who once worked here.

12pm Lonsdale Quay Market is the perfect place to grab some lunch or supplies for an afternoon picnic. As well as plenty of food options you’ll also find stores selling clothes, souvenirs and gifts as well as hairdressers, wellness services, and much more!

3pm Get your hiking boots on and make your way over to Deep Cove’sQuarry Rock trail. Quarry Rock sits on the easternmost section of the Baden Powell Trail. The hike is a 1.5 hour round trip but factor in some time to sit on Quarry Rock and enjoy the view before you head back to town.